Cannabinoids in the Potential Treatment of Epilepsy

Cannabinoids are a group of chemical compounds that come from the cannabis plant (cannabis sativa). Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of these chemicals and studies have suggest that it has anti inflammatory effects when induced in animals. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another one of these compounds that wields a psychotropic effect in animals. Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) are found in the endocannabinoid system and allow cannabinoids to bind and do their job in the body. This paper will review cannabinoids role in treating different types of epilepsy.

Treatment-resistant epilepsy (TRE) impacts 30% of epileptics and is related to serious morbidity and greater mortality. Cannabis-based treatments have been applied to treat epilepsy for thousands of years but only recently have scientists commenced data accumulation from appropriate tests with CBD. Before, knowledge was limited to case reports regarding the application of CBD and complex medical marijuana preparations containing: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD, and different cannabinoids in mixtures combinations. There is little known about the safety, effectiveness, and administering of artisanal solutions available from dispensaries in the united states that sell CBD and other cannabinoids. On the other hand, other tests with 100 mg/ml CBD (Epidiolex®, GW Pharmaceuticals) have given more knowledge of its effectiveness along with a normal safety profile (including specific drug relationships) in children and young adults that have been diagnosed with TRE. More so, tests with Epidiolex hand effectiveness and proper safety profiles for children with TRE at doses of 10- and 20-mg/kg/day.

CBD is safe, with minimal side effects

After thousands of years of cannabis application for epilepsy, scientists are starting to accumulate good scientific evidence indicating that CBD is good at reducing convulsive seizures in epilepsy. Tests have shown that CBD can be effective in a wider range of TRE, including those related to focal epilepsy, and other disorders. The safety and effectiveness of THC remains unknown in children or adults with any epilepsy disorder.

Registered with the British Psychological Society, breaking the taboo on mental health issues is one of the driving forces in Jonathan's life. His background in biomedicine gives him additional understanding of the factors that work together to influence the human condition.